Need help spending $4500 on 69 step

[casterbuster]

I have already finished the brakes, updated to power front discs. Replaced all stainless brake lines and hoses. Rebuilt front suspension. What the truck needs is engine, transmission, and A/c. 350 is tired loses oil pressure after warm up pretty severely. Trans is th400 with leaks everywhere. In the texas heat it needs a/c. It is a factory a/c cab but all components are missing.

Don't know if I should either add new crate motor or rebuild this 350.

I would like a overdrive transmission but this would mean different drive shaft different shifter and add more to the build. I could possibly just ditch the 4:10 gears and go with a 3:42 or even 3:08. What do you think?

Then where would be the best place to get the A/C kit from and which kit is better?

I need to get this thing on the road, I am without a second vehicle right now. The wife's Tahoe is all we have currently other than my company truck.

[danw210]

If it were me I would sink some dough into the a/c, especially you being it Texas, and go with a used engine and tranny. If you really need it for you second vehicle that is. You could always upgrade the engine/tranny later on down the road if you wanted to but at least it would be on the road. I would like to hear some feedback on the different aftermarket a/c options. I will be doing that to mine eventually.

[casterbuster]

I want to do all three things with this money. I am just looking for my best options.

[C20-67_N_MO]

For the A/C I would go with http://www.vintageair.com/index.asp this is the one I will go with when I decide to add A/C to my '67.

But as far as engine and tranny that's a tough choice. Rebuilting your 350 would probably be the best bang for your buck since you want to replace your transmisison as well. Find a good rebuild shop and have them customize the engine for how you are going to use your truck.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[BossHogg69]

here's the 290hp version...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499529/ my dad put one in his '84 Heavy Half LWB with a set of 1 5/8's hedman headers and a Q-Jet and it runs very nice - smooth spread of power and no issues, plus you get a warranty.

On the gear swap, a professionally set up rear gear swap will cost about as much as swapping in a 700R4 (+/- $1200), just depends on your preference. If you already need a trans, and you decide to swap gears, you're looking at rebuilding the TH400 AND swapping gears. You could just to the OD tranny and leave the rearend alone, plus the low 1st gear in the 700R4 and those 4.10's would be fun with a fresh motor!

Wish I could help on the a/c. My '69 is an a/c truck, but it doesn't work and I just have to sweat it out for now!

[casterbuster]

Originally Posted by BossHogg69

here's the 290hp version...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499529/ my dad put one in his '84 Heavy Half LWB with a set of 1 5/8's hedman headers and a Q-Jet and it runs very nice - smooth spread of power and no issues, plus you get a warranty.

On the gear swap, a professionally set up rear gear swap will cost about as much as swapping in a 700R4 (+/- $1200), just depends on your preference. If you already need a trans, and you decide to swap gears, you're looking at rebuilding the TH400 AND swapping gears. You could just to the OD tranny and leave the rearend alone, plus the low 1st gear in the 700R4 and those 4.10's would be fun with a fresh motor!

Wish I could help on the a/c. My '69 is an a/c truck, but it doesn't work and I just have to sweat it out for now!

Thanks for the info but, I could just by the basic gm goodwrench 350 for 400 bucks less and swap in the cam out of the 290hp gmpp motor. And save 200 bucks

[BossHogg69]

and lose the warranty...

[Sinister]

Vintage Air - $1200
GM Crate 260 HP - $1400
New TH 400 - $750?

[casterbuster]

Originally Posted by Sinister

Vintage Air - $1200
GM Crate 260 HP - $1400
New TH 400 - $750?

Where did these prices come from, now i am intrigued. $750 for th400, and the engine where?

[mclairmo]

Originally Posted by Sinister

Vintage Air - $1200
GM Crate 260 HP - $1400
New TH 400 - $750?

I agree with Sinister 100%. The 260 crate from GM is all you need for around town and it will be reliable. I will likely go with that engine when the need arises. Rebuilt might be cheaper but unless you know the rebuilder real well, it could just be a waste of your money. Plus, you may have to pay for shipping. With the GM crate, the dealer should be able to get it for no addl cost. Also, GM should be able to warranty the engine or least help you out more than a rebuilder might. A rebuilt TH400 and convertor from a local rebuilder should be about that much or even less. Vintage Air will be more reliable than the factory a/c and may end up easier to install than trying to piece together a factory system. Go with basic and simple parts and you should be able to make it within your budget. However, don't go with used stuff unless it is something like wheels or valve covers since you want to only have to do this once and have it be correct and reliable.

[Sinister]

Prices are actually a little more. I'm pretty sure the GM Crate motor is rated higher then listed. Just some ideas, shop around.
See what you can dig up locally.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-700400/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-10067353/

[69lemans]

for the engine/trans,I would search through the classifieds in your area and try to find a used car,like a mid 80's Caprice/Impala with maybe under 100000 miles that is currently running .That way you could hear it run and drive it and check it out. Should have an o/d trans,plus you would get all the brackets and a/c parts you would need,along with a lot of smaller parts you could use(like maybe cruise control).When I bought my truck,the previous owner also had an 87 Caprice his father had wrecked that was in excellent running condition with a 305/700R4 trans. I wish I would have bought it and transplanted the drive train into my truck

[jbristo67]

290 HP GM 4bolt 350 1600 http://www.sdparts.com/product/10067...350Engine.aspx

Rebuilt 700 R 4 850

You can get factory AC for around 500 for everything

[casterbuster]

what about old air from gmcpauls he has is listed under $1000

[b-rad]

i got have a idea paypal it too brad.m.good@us.army.mi i will be looking for it in the next day or too

[WorkinLonghorn]

Warranties in my line of work are just a piece of paper the manufacturer throws in the box so you can wipe your butt if you run out of TP, and you can quote me on that.

[casterbuster]

Originally Posted by b-rad

i got have a idea paypal it too brad.m.good@us.army.mi i will be looking for it in the next day or too

Maybe if you weren't giving that baby cigarettes... I would and thanks for your service.

[b-rad]

Originally Posted by casterbuster

Maybe if you weren't giving that baby cigarettes... I would and thanks for your service.

aw man it almost worked lol

[Jim_PA]

I'm not a big fan of that 290HP cam. And it certainly isn't worth $400.

Sounds like you should do a LSx swap.. 5.3? 6.0?

[casterbuster]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

I'm not a big fan of that 290HP cam. And it certainly isn't worth $400.

Sounds like you should do a LSx swap.. 5.3? 6.0?

How would I ever afford that on 4500 budget. Now, your talking fuel tank, wiring harness, programming, fuel pump, engine and transmission, exhaust, and I am sure I am forgetting a lot. I wish but it doesn't sound doable, unless you know something I don't.

[Jim_PA]

Originally Posted by casterbuster

How would I ever afford that on 4500 budget. Now, your talking fuel tank, wiring harness, programming, fuel pump, engine and transmission, exhaust, and I am sure I am forgetting a lot. I wish but it doesn't sound doable, unless you know something I don't.

Should be able to get the engine/trans for about $2000-2500.

[chuckmc8]

Sounds like you should do a LSx swap.. 5.3? 6.0?[/QUOTE]

x2

[jbristo67]

Just did some more checking. Motor 425 tranny 450 computer 50 external fuel pump 100 Custom Harness and comp reprogramming 600 headers 528 doug thorley. So I am running down the road for 2050 plus what ever LS motor mounts cost. I am so there

[eagleuh1]

One of the truck mags, I think classic truck, did a 3 issue write up on installing an LSx style engine in a 68 I believe. I'll have to dig it out and look. You might want to go and get the mag and check it out. Also, LS1tech.com is very helpfull when doing conversions like this. I used their help every day. AlldataDIY.com is cheap source of wiring diagrams, pinouts and connector diagrams for both vehicles, engine/PCM donor and your classic truck. Its not that hard to do. CPP and another vendor here sell motor mounts already figured out and Thorley set up their headers to work with them. Before you start though, I'd have all the parts on hand and ready to go so it doesn't take up all your garage space for a long period. Good luck.. The LSx engine have all kinds of power on tap, you'll find them a blast to work on too. Jim

[Sinister]

He wants a motor/tranny and A/C for the $4500.